Master the building envelope with comprehensive guides on attic, wall, and basement insulation. Learn about R-values, air barriers, vapor control, and proper ventilation to keep your home comfortable through harsh Canadian winters.
Beginner
Heat rises, making attic insulation critical for Canadian homes. This comprehensive guide covers R-value requirements by climate zone, insulation material options including fiberglass batts, blown cellulose, and spray foam, proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, and how to identify insufficient insulation from your attic inspection.
Safety First
Insulating basement walls requires careful moisture control to prevent mold and structural damage. Learn about interior vs. exterior insulation approaches, rigid foam board installation, vapor barrier placement, building code requirements for combustible materials, and strategies to manage groundwater and condensation in below-grade spaces.
Beginner
R-value measures thermal resistance, but Canadian climate zones require different insulation levels. This guide explains how R-values work, recommended minimums for attics, walls, and basements in different provinces, how to calculate existing insulation effectiveness, and whether you can have too much insulation in certain applications.
Safety First
Proper attic ventilation prevents ice dams, roof damage, and insulation deterioration. Understand the 1:300 rule for vent area, balance between soffit intake and ridge exhaust vents, how to maintain airflow with thick insulation using baffles, and signs of inadequate ventilation including frost buildup and premature shingle aging.
Quick Win
Air leakage can waste 25-40% of heating energy. Learn to identify leak locations using the incense test or blower door testing, prioritize sealing efforts for maximum impact, choose appropriate caulking and weatherstripping materials for different applications, and address common leak points including recessed lighting, plumbing penetrations, and electrical outlets.
Beginner
Add wall insulation to existing homes through blown-in cellulose or foam injection. This guide covers drill-and-fill techniques, cavity inspection methods, when to use dense-pack cellulose vs. spray foam, thermal imaging to verify complete fills, and expected R-value improvements for typical 2x4 and 2x6 wall cavities in older Canadian homes.
Seasonal
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof, melting snow that refreezes at eaves. Prevent costly damage by ensuring adequate attic insulation to keep roof surfaces cold, proper ventilation to exhaust warm air, air-sealing to stop heat migration from living spaces, and maintaining uniform roof temperatures through strategic insulation placement.
Safety First
Vapor barriers control moisture diffusion, while air barriers stop air movement. This technical guide clarifies when each is needed, proper placement in Canadian climates to prevent condensation within wall and ceiling assemblies, common installation errors that cause moisture problems, and how modern building science approaches vapor control differently than older construction methods.